Travel Vaccinations & Travel Advice For India
Sometimes shocking, sometimes annoying, sometimes stunning… But always fascinating! India is incredibly diverse, extremely surprising… The North and its majestic maharajahs palaces, spectacular colorful festivals, and huge messy megalopolises contrast with the South and its gorgeous nature, lush tropical forests, sandy beaches and wildlife reserves. In India, extreme misery lies in front of extremely magnificent temples, while holy cows and elephants wander in traffic jams. As varied as the landscapes, Indian food is always delicate and delicious. Each region has its own specialties, spices and way of cooking. Whether you hate it or love it, the captivating India leaves no one indifferent.
Health Information
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
INDIA – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Information, Advice & Vaccination – Japanese Encephalitis | Recommended for travelers who may visit rural regions and farms, especially those traveling for a month or more, recommended for those spending a lot of time outdoors, such as camping, hiking, bicycling or working in the field, especially after dusk. The risk of japanese is particularly elevated during monsoon season. The period of Monsoon season varies based on the areas visited. Important to note, that vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis is administered in 2 doses with a minimum time delay between doses. |
| Flu – Influenza |
Influenza is present year-round in southern India, and from the months of November to March in northern India. Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine |
A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Cholera | Recommended for humanitarian workers, health care providers and/or adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS) – For the northern mountainous region |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
In India, only a fraction of the medical facilities offer good health care following Western standards, most of them being located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. The Apollo Hospital, the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, the Woodlands medical center, and the Fortis Hospital can be quoted. These medical establishments are well equipped and have competent personnel. In Kolkata, the Wellesley Medicentre hosts a travel health clinic.
In case of emergency in India, call 102. If you wish to have a private ambulance, you can contact the Hinduja National Hospital at 2445-2575, the Apollo Gleneagles Hospital at 1066 or the Woodlands Medical Center at 2456-7075 thru 7089.
Even though most pharmacies in India are well stocked, it is indispensable to bring a complete set of basic medicines when traveling to the country, in order to avoid nasty surprises.
SECURITY ABROAD
Demonstrations against new citizenship legislation
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 100/112 from cellular telephones
- firefighters: 101
- medical assistance: 102/108 in parts of South India
- victim of sexual harassment: 1091 or 1096
